Insights of HopebyEmma FlobergPart 4 of Hope: Peace through Relational and Spiritual Strength​ A house could not stand without a firm foundation, just like we as Christians could not endure this life without having strong relationships with other Christians that encourage and lift us up from our everyday struggles. It is through our strong relationships and spiritual life that we can have peace that surpasses all understanding. Justin had a special way of building relationships with others that had a lasting impact. As Michele and Jeff Shultz described, “Justin was an example of Christ, because he had such a heart for people and if anyone had a need for anything he was going to be there for them without a question.” Justin always made his friendships and relationships a top priority in his life; it was very evident that Justin had a unique passion for people. Caroline Hogeveen, close friend of Justin, said that Justin taught her how, “Christ is commonly shared with others through actions instead of words. He would never tell me how to live my life, but instead he truly walked the walk so others would follow in his example.” Justin was consistent in the way he lived and demonstrated his love for God and others not just through his words but in his actions, his Christ like behavior affected others in a lasting way. As Christians, we are meant to love others and through that love we can reach them for Christ. This is such an essential part of the H.O.P.E ministry because it is through this love and service to others they will be able to experience the love of God. Specifically, Christian relationships are so important because they remind you of the hope of heaven and the knowledge that this life is not all we have, but we have an eternal life to look forward to in heaven. When you are around people who have a hope beyond this life, it encourages you spiritually and can push you to spread the hope to anyone around you. Justin’s Run For Hope has been a way to keep Justin’s story alive and emphasize the things that were important to him, specifically Jesus. By taking a tragic event that could have been nothing but devastating and instead creating it into something that helps take Justin’s life and displays how it is continuing to bring hope to others is what makes this race so special. To Justin, Jesus was much more than just a concept, but instead He was a way of life. He lived his life so dedicated to loving Jesus, he was and still is able to impact so many lives.